nosegay
/ˈnəʊzɡeɪ
/noun literary
A small bunch of flowers, typically one that is sweet-scented: a nosegay worn at the waist or bodice...
- The procession stopped outside the church, where the prisoners received a nosegay of flowers, and stopped at a tavern or two later along the route so they could enjoy a final pint of ale.
- A uniformed man just inside the entry handed them each a small nosegay of flowers from a large wicker basket next to him.
- Cut fresh flowers from the garden and make up little nosegays for each table.
Origin
Late Middle English: from nose + gay in the obsolete sense 'ornament'.